President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced that the recent erratic power supply plaguing the country has been effectively addressed.
Addressing attendees at the annual May Day celebration in Accra, the President expressed optimism that the challenges, famously termed “dumsor,” are now a thing of the past.
He extended gratitude to the citizens for their patience and cooperation during the trying times.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for their patience and understanding during recent temporary challenges with electricity supply across the country.
“Over the period, the issues surrounding transformers and gas supply have been successfully resolved resulting in sufficient improvement in power supply reliability,” the president said.
“Indeed, over the past few days, we have witnessed stable electricity supply across the country with no load-shedding reported anywhere yesterday.”
“For the past seven years we have worked tirelessly to keep the lights on and I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return,” he source:Citi Newsroom
The Minority in Parliament has noted with utter shock and dismay the Rambo-style with which the Ashanti Regional Minister ordered for the arrest of Ing. Mark Wiafe Asumani, the Ashanti Regional Area Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana, following the disconnection of power to the Kumasi Technical University as a results of the University’s inability to settle its outstanding debt of GHC 1.2 million owed to ECG.
The NDC minority in Parliament wishes to condemn this abuse of power demonstrated by the Regional Minister.
We wish to state unequivocally that the Minister has no business interfering with the work of ECG with such level arrogance. The Minister is quoted by credible media outlets of having admitted to this role in the arrest and detention of Mr. Wiafe. His reason was that he had earlier requested the ECG to notify him anytime the former intended to disconnect power to any public university in his region. This, according to him, was not complied with, hence, his instructions to the police to arrest and detain the ECG MD in the Ashanti Region. This is condemnable and regrettable to say the least.
John Abdulai Jinapor
It is now incontrovertibly established that the current load shedding (Dumsor) and unreliable supply of power to Ghanaians is as a result of the unreliable supply of power, and this is solely caused by the AkuffoAddo/Bawumia led NPP government inability to procure fuel for the nations available thermal plants.
Rather than chasing and causing the arrest of innocent ECG workers, the Minister must direct his frustration and anger at his own government particularly, Dr. Mahamoud Bawumiah who has supervised the mess done to Ghana’s economy.
Indeed, Ghana’s economy and its fundamentals are in a serious crisis to the extent that the Ghanaian Cedi is currently trading at GHS14 $1. This is having a multiplier effect on other economic indicators like the debt situation, and further exacerbating the energy sector challenges.
We, the minority, by this statement, wish to call on President Akuffo-Addo to call Mr. Osei Mensah to order immediately. Ghanaians will not tolerate such unruly and despotic behaviour from the Ashanti Regional Minister.
In fact if there is anybody to be arrested, it should be the Ashanti Regional for his monumental failure as the administrative head of the region.
We wish to assure all ECG staff and the general workers union that the Minority is solidly behind them and will not renege in our quest to ensure that justice is served them at all material times as they undertake their constitutionally mandated duty. We wish to caution the Ashanti Regional Minister and all his colleagues in government to stop intimidating genuine workers for doing their work and ensure that they fix the broken economy.
Thank you.
-Signed-
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor-MP
(Ranking Member, Mines and Energy Committee)
After what organisers and patrons described as a successful Kumasi edition, plans are underway to bring the Dumsor Vigil to the capital city, Accra.
Explaining the reason behind the decision to replicate the vigil that took place in Kumasi on April 17, 2024, Henry Osei Akoto, one of the leaders of the protest, said it is not enough to have only Kumasi featured.
He explained that moving the vigil around is meant to mount further pressure on the government, and to bring its attention to the debilitating effects of the power outages on businesses and livelihoods.
He added that the group will soon mobilize Ghanaians to protest against the erratic power supply commonly known as Dumsor.
“We will mobilise Ghanaians on the streets soon if you don’t resolve dumsor; the inconveniences are just too much.
“You promised Ghanaians you were going to give us an uninterrupted power supply; see where you’ve brought us,” he said.
The Dumsor Vigil is organized by Ashanti Democrats, led by Jerry James Sukkah.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Former Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah says the comment by Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo that the Energy Minister is the only person to order for the publication of a “dumsor” timetable is an attempt to derail the Minister’s opportunity to become Running Mate to the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to Bernard Mornah, the Akyem mafia in the NPP is against the Energy Minister because he blocked their shady deals and for that, they plot to ruin his chances of ascending the party’s hierarchy.
Bernard Mornah
“Why would Osafo-Maafo say this at this material point in time? I think it is meant to scuttle the chances of the Energy Minister in the Running Mate agenda because they don’t like him”, he said to Berla Mundi on TV3.
He continued; “Clearly the likes of Osafo-Maafo want to shift the blame on Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh just because he is in contention in the NPP Running Mate agenda. For me, there is a higher authority and that higher authority is not Matthew Opoku Prempeh” to bring out the timetable.
Mr. Mornah’s response comes on the heels of the Senior Advisor to the President, Yaw Osafo-Maafo’s call on the Energy Minister to publish a load-shedding timetable and a similar demand from the Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi who says the Minister needs to be removed from office.
Mr. Mornah described the calls as not being in good faith but rather a political agenda solely against the Energy Minister.Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, in a momentous ceremony held in Kaleo, officially inaugurated phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, marking another significant stride in Ghana’s renewable energy journey.
With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition underscores Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, chiefs, and community members, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for all citizens.
He praised the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the Chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional area, the German Government, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and project contractors, for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the project.
The President highlighted the strategic significance of Kaleo as a hub for renewable energy development, citing its rich natural resources and potential to attract investment and spur innovation in the region.
He reiterated Government’s commitment to incentivizing green investments, promoting energy efficiency, and prioritizing the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the nation’s energy sector growth.
Phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant not only adds fifteen megawatts of clean energy to the national grid but also improves the quality of power supply in the Upper West Region. Furthermore, it is estimated to reduce national carbon emissions by nearly 8,917 tonnes, contributing to Ghana’s efforts to combat climate change and fulfill its international commitments. It will also promote practical studies in the development of solar power by the Technical Universities in the northern part of the country.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated Government’s commitment to invest continuously in the electricity transmission network, to enable the country to evacuate more renewable energy through the national grid to support the extension of electricity to all parts of the country.
“It is our intention to attain full electricity access by the end of this year, up from the current rate of eighty-eight-point-eight percent (88.8%),” he stated.
The President continued, “I expect that, with this project in this community, corporate social responsibility programmes for Kaleo and its environment will be enhanced through the provision of social amenities by the appropriate authorities, including VRA.”
President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s energy future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. He urged all stakeholders to uphold effective maintenance management practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, reaffirming his government’s dedication to building a brighter, greener future for all Ghanaians.
“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we are securing a reliable source of electricity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. This plant will not only power homes and businesses, but also serve as a catalyst for development in the Upper West Region, attracting investment and spurring innovation,” he added.
The President told the gathering that Government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments, foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.
“The vision, however, is not only to be energy self-sufficient, but also to set the stage for Ghana to emerge as an eco-friendly country in the Region, inspiring neighbouring countries to follow suit in their pursuit of a greener, more energy-technology-centred future,” he added.
Kofi Abrefa Afena, the spokesperson for the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has rejected the call by Nana Amoasi VII, the Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security (IES), for the removal of his boss, in light of the current erratic power supply, popularly known as “dumsor” in Ghana.
Afena labeled the call as being “borne out of ignorance,” emphasizing that it’s inaccurate for Amoasi to claim that the minister is out of touch with reality.
“Dr. Prempeh is not the talk too much type but believes in results. Nana Amoasi has no idea the sleepless nights of the Minister aimed at addressing the current challenges,” Abrefa said in a statement.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka NAPO
Kofi Abrefa contends that the current challenges are being resolved, and soon the results will be visible for all to see.
“He [Amoasi] says the matter needs swift intervention, but I struggle to appreciate the logic in Amoasi’s position of removing the minister. When Kwabena Donkor resigned over the pervasive Dumsor under John Mahama, did it necessarily solve the matter? Amoasi should get serious. It is all about solutions. Dr. Prempeh continues to work with the technical people to find amicable solutions,” he added.
The Energy Minister’s spokesperson reiterated his boss’ quest for forbearance from the Ghanaian people as stakeholders continue to work assiduously to solve the temporary challenges.
Nana Amoasi VII had stated that the energy sector is currently lacking effective leadership.
He thus advocated for the appointment of a new leader to address the ongoing challenges.
The country has been grappling with frequent power outages in recent times, prompting widespread calls from Ghanaians for a structured timetable to manage these disruptions.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, April 22, Nana Amoasi VII expressed his dissatisfaction with the current Energy Minister’s performance, suggesting that he should be relieved of his duties due to his perceived unsuitability for the role.
He condemned the Minister’s alleged disrespect towards the concerns of Ghanaians, deeming it unacceptable and intolerable.
“Today the power sector or the energy sector appears shepherdless. You don’t see a leader who is standing up to the issues, accepting them as they are and seeking to address them while calling for cooperation from Ghanaians.
“We have been asking for a timetable for quite a long time. The PURC intervened as an arbiter between the utilities and consumers and asked the ECG to provide one unfortunately the Minister of Energy [tells] all of us including the PURC to produce a timetable if we need one and why we wish the country evil by asking for a load shedding timetable.”
Workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have cautioned the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah to settle outstanding electricity bills accrued at his private residences or face disconnection from the national grid.
The warning comes in the wake of a series of protests initiated by the ECG workers, following the Minister’s order for the arrest of one of their managers.
The Minister’s actions have sparked outrage among the ECG workers, particularly after he recently ordered the arrest of the company’s Ashanti East Manager, Mark Wiafe Asomani. This order was given after the ECG’s National Revenue Mobilization Taskforce disconnected power to the Kumasi Technical University due to unpaid bills.
In response to the Minister’s actions, the Workers’ Union of the ECG issued a statement demanding an apology. However, the Minister has yet to issue an apology, despite the ultimatum given by the Union having elapsed on Tuesday.
As part of their protest, ECG workers have started wearing red bands at their offices nationwide. Despite this, they have ensured that customer service remains unaffected.
The Union leadership has expressed their determination to intensify the protest if the Minister does not take appropriate action. They maintain that the Minister’s actions are unacceptable and that he must be held accountable for his actions.
A worker told Citi News on Wednesday “If the regional minister owes any bill in his private house we are going there. This week we will get to his house if he owes a pesewa, we will disconnect him then the police must come and arrest all of us.
“If he arrests any regional boss all of us will be at the prison yard. So, they should expand the prison yard all of us are coming. We are expecting him to apologise…We know all his houses …We are going there…He should prepare to pay his money, or we will disconnect him.”
Another worker said “The action of the minister is more of a security concern than our General Manager’s meeting at the REGSEC. The reason is that the actions can lead to other customers emulating what he did and we think that he should just apologise unreservedly to ECG then we move on. We have a series of actions to take. This is the first step That is why we said that if he is not apologizing someone should tell him to do so.”
Head of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum has cautioned the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) against the impact of the current electricity crisis on their performance in the December 7 elections.
Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly called “Opanyin Agyekum”, registered his displeasure with the Electricity Company of Ghana’s delay in drawing a timetable for Ghanaians.
To him, the call for a timetable is genuine as it will help Ghanaians to plan their activities unlike they being unable to predict the situation.
Opanyin Agyekum also expressed worry over the government’s refusal to be transparent with Ghanaians regarding the cause of the power cuts and when the nation should expect an end to the problem.
Professor Kofi Agyekum
To him, how the government is treating Ghanaians may affect their “breaking the eight” agenda.
“Your breaking the eight will be difficult if this problem lingers on”, he said, advising “it’s not shameful to tell us that you promised us no dumsor but at it stands now, we are in dumsor . . . so, the government should wake up if it’s sleeping and resolve this issue immediately for us because this is extremely disturbing”.
He made this comment during Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo”.
Prophet Kofi Oduro of Alabaster International Ministry has issued a stern critique of the government over the rolling power outages known as dumsor.
Ghanaians in most parts of the country are currently complaining about dumsor, especially with the continued refusal of the government to admit that the current challenge is a case of load-shedding.
Most persons are also angered by the Electricity Company of Ghana’s refusal to provide a load-shedding timetable amid the outages.
Prophet Kofi Oduro during a sermon over the weekend posited that the current situation was a sign of flawed leadership and financial mismanagement.
Prophet Kofi Oduro
“Today, I slept outside, in my house, on three chairs combined. You can’t sleep, because you are living in a nation that has no leadership; we voted for them, we’ve given them free food, free water, free fuel, free electricity, free everything, we have given them a salary and have asked them to fix our issues.
“Ghana, you are crippled, you are blind, your leaders are blind and dumb dogs who cannot speak and cannot perform. You are 67 and you are struggling with common electricity.
“Electricity is a common amenity, what is happening is not a lack of supply, it is a money issue and if it is a money issue, it is mismanagement. This electricity issue is revealing how flawed our leadership is. Flawed leadership, I don’t care about your parties or who is in office,” he stressed.
“Hope must be restored, we are praying for you and speaking positively that things will get well, when lights go off and we are in the heat, your generator starts automatically, what kind of nonsense is this?” he asked.Source: ghanaweb.com
A former Power Minister and NDC MP for Pru East, Dr Kwabena Donkor has stated that the relocation of the Ameri power plant does not contribute to increased power generation but has other strategic purposes.
According to him, the relocation of the Ameri plant plays a vital role in stabilizing the grid and enables GRIDCo to reduce its losses during transmission.
Speaking on News File on April 20, he stated that in 2014, the National Democratic Congress government planned to situate power generation in the middle belt of the country but fuel was a major challenge.
Dr Kwabena Donkor
“A gas pipeline had gotten to Prestea but there wasn’t a gas pipeline to Kumasi and therefore a physical relocation at that time would not have made sense without fuel. Fortunately, unfortunately, the people of Ghana decided that we should leave the scene so there was a truncation of the process. Other than that, generation in the middle corridor would have happened earlier,” he said.
The former minister stated that there is an advantage in having generation in the middle corridor.
Dr Donkor stated that the power transmission company, GRIDCo is indebted to the Volta River Authority (VRA) due to transmission losses exceeding the limits approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
According to him, when generation is moved closer to a market, the amount of transmission losses are limited.
“It also helps stabilize the grid. You see, there is a certain balance that the grid must have. If there is a situation where until now we have the Eastern and Western corridors in terms of generation and even then there is a delicate balance, you cannot over-generate from one corridor with nothing coming from the other. The grid will trip.”
“The initial inter-connected transmission system, there is a certain balance needed. So having generation in the central corridor will help that,” he said.
The NDC has largely raised concerns about the amount spent in relocating the plant, as well as the renaming of the plant despite the NPP’s initial opposition its acquisition while in opposition.
